The Western Michigan University physician assistant program leads to a Master of Science in Medicine. It is a full-time, graduate professional program consisting of 95 semester hours taken in a prescribed sequence over a continuous 24-month period. Year one requires 48 hours of primarily classroom education. Year two requires 47 hours of primarily clinical placement education.
PA courses
Our entry-level, full-time, 24-month, professional education curriculum that leads to a Master of Science in Medicine (MSM). After graduation you'll be prepared to take the certifying exam to become a PA.
- The first year focuses primarily on classroom and laboratory instruction, and includes a component that addresses research issues pertinent to physician assistants.
- The second, or clinical year, includes a variety of experiences in community teaching hospitals, clinics and physician offices.
Refer to the WMU Graduate Catalog for complete descriptions of all courses required in the PA program.
Prerequisite courses
- Human Anatomy - 3 credits
Anatomy and Physiology I and II are accepted for this requirement; they are not accepted for physiology prerequisite. - Human Physiology - upper level - 3 credits
Pathophysiology does not fulfill this requirement. - Microbiology - 4 credits
Must have an accompanying lab - Biochemistry - upper level - 3 credits
Organic Chemistry does not satisfy this requirement. - Developmental Psychology (Life Span) - 3 credits
The course must cover the entire life span - from birth to death. Intro psychology courses do not meet this requirement. This course may also be called Human Growth and Development or Human Development. - Introductory Statistics - 3 credits
Must contain descriptive analysis and inferential methods.
Additional Info
- Knowledge-based testing (like USMLE) does not satisfy any of the required prerequisites. All prerequisites must be stand alone courses.
- A degree in health sciences may be helpful but is not required, as long as you have completed prerequisite courses with a C or better. Any bachelor's degree will suffice, as long as you have an understanding and dedication to the PA role and mission.
- If you already have completed a bachelor's degree and still need to take prerequisite courses, apply to WMU as a graduate non-degree student.
Tuition information
Tuition and fees
The 24-month professional program includes 95 credit hours of graduate coursework. Using rates from the 2024-25 academic year, the cost for 24 months of tuition (excluding room and board) are below. Here's an Estimated Expense Guide with details.
In-state tuition:
$75,307.50
Out-of-state tuition:
$113,729.25
Other expenses:
$21,488
Refunds
If you withdraw from classes, you'll get a full or partial tuition refund, depending on timing based on the academic calendar. Contact your academic advisor and Bronco Express before you withdraw to understand the impacts on your academic progress and financial aid.
If circumstances arise that impact on your ability to complete courses, forcing you to withdraw after the refund period, you may appeal for a refund within 12 months using the tuition charge appeal form. Because circumstances vary, all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Read more about tuition refunds on the Accounts Receivable website.